LMHC stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling.  It's important to recognize that the requirements of counselors vary per state.  In Florida, LMHC licensure requires the completion of a master's degree in mental health counseling from a CACREP (Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs) accredited program.  Following the completion of specific didactic instruction and clinical hours, it is also required that individuals complete additional courses regarding the topics of Laws and Rules, HIV and AIDS, and Domestic Violence.  Following graduation, an individual registers with the Board, and completes additional clinical hours and partakes in clinical supervision to meet the criteria for hours and for at least 2 years as a RMHCI (Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern).  Prior to obtaining one's license, a clinician must also pass the NCMHCE (National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination).  Only after all requirements are met can someone apply for and obtain their LMHC credential.

CRC stands for Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, which is a credential provided by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.  In order to obtain the CRC credential, a counselor must have completed required graduate-level coursework, meet professional and ethical standards, and prove their competency through passing the CRC examination.  An individual with a CRC credential has obtained necessary education and training to possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and attitudes to work collaboratively with individuals with disabilities.  They help these individuals to achieve their personal, social, psychological, career, and independent living goals.

What are the different models of therapy that are used here?

My counseling style is quite eclectic, meaning that I pull from a variety of theories and adapt my therapy style to what will best meet each individual's needs.  Due to the variety of clinical experiences I have had, I am comfortable utilizing a handful of different therapy models, such as CBT, REBT, SFBT, and many more!

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CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is considered one of the most evidence-based methods of psychological treatment, stemming from the idea that one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all interconnected.  Some of the basic principles include that our "psychological problems" are due to faulty or helpful ways of thinking and learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.  CBT treatment typically involves changing thinking patterns by recognizing cognitive distortions, better understanding the behaviors and motivations of oneself and others, identifying coping skills, and developing greater confidence in oneself.  

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REBT (Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy) is often grouped in with CBT, as they have similar underlying principles.  REBT's focus is to help one identify self-defeating thoughts and feelings, challenge the nature of irrational and unproductive feelings, and replace them with healthier and more helpful beliefs.  The goal is to learn how are unhealthy beliefs are negatively impacting us, and work to identify and replace these with more positive and productive beliefs.​

SFBT (Solution-Focused Brief Therapy) is a future-focused, goal-directed approach that focuses on solutions, rather than the problems that one comes into therapy with.  It incorporates Positive Psychology practices and principles to help individuals change by constructing solutions rather than focusing on problems.  The goal is, through using SFBT, an individual will be able to formulate, motivate, achieve, and sustain a desired behavioral change.